METALLICA paid tribute to the late legendary vocalist Ronnie James DIO (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, RAINBOW, ELF) by performing the intro to BLACK SABBATH's "Children Of The Sea" before dedicating the classic METALLICA track "Fade To Black" to the singer on May 18, 2010 at Pavilhão Atlantico in in Lisbon, Portugal. Watch video footage of the performance below.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich wrote a lengthy open letter to Dio as a tribute to the singer, which read in part: "When I first saw you in ELF, opening for DEEP PURPLE in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old . . . Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you. Much love, Lars."

Dio died of stomach cancer on Sunday (May 16) at the age of 67. The singer, who performed with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, ELF and his own solo band, was widely hailed as one of the most influential voices in heavy metal, not to mention one of the most down-to-earth, friendly and giving personalities in the music business.